Ravenwood Blog: WOODS canvas canoe packs

From their website, the history of Woods Canada,:

A CANADIAN STORY. The Woods Canada story begins in 1885, when James W. Woods starts supplying lumbermen, miners, surveyors and other pioneers with canvas products, tents, sleeping bags and clothing to meet the toughest conditions required to explore and work in Canada’s harshest regions. From the Klondike Gold rush of the 1890’s to the first sailing of the Northwest Passage in 1905; from the great Arctic Expeditions of the early 20th Century to the first ascent of Canada’s highest peak, Mt. Logan, Woods became known as the most reliable and trusted outfitter for the most adventurous Canadians. Today, over 125 years later, Woods remains committed to providing the best quality and value for all your outdoor adventures.

In the United States, a similar product is known as a Duluth Pack, from another long standing manufacturer of canvas and outdoor goods, as below:

While Duluth make a large range of canoe packs as well as other configurations of canvas packs, Woods has traditionally made 2 canoe packs designated as models 100 and 200. Below on the left is the 200, which has a sheath for the head of an axe, and ties further up the side, along with a map pocket down the opposite side. The 100 has neither however has the same carrying capacity.

The #1 Special features:

69L/4200 cu in. (21"width x 35"high x 8"deep)
One large compartment
10 oz water repellant cotton duck fabric
Straps secured by stictched and rivetied leather patches
Tear resistant seams are bound with webbing tape
Heavy duty leather tump and shoulder straps

The #200 Special features:

69L/4200 cu in. (21"width x 35"high x 8"deep)
One large compartment
10 oz water repellant cotton duck fabric
Straps secured by stictched and rivetied leather patches
Tear resistant seams are bound with webbing tape
Heavy duty leather tump and shoulder straps
Waterproof pocket in top flap
External leather axe sheath with buckle strap
Convenient side slash pockets

Currently for sale at http://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/, they stock and sell the very best outdoor gear. Oddly enough, the bags cant be located on Woods own site.

I've had and carried a 200 for years, since it looks after the axe, and frankly who would go in the bush without one? While still very well made, the earlier packs used much heavier and more durable canvas. It would be fun to try to determine a timeline of bags, as the one we just picked up is thought to be an earlier one, with the logo stenciled on the inside rather than outside face.